Meyn Mamvro - No 032 - Winter 1997

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 32, Winter 1997, is a magazine dedicated to "ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall." The cover highlights topics such as Bronze Age ritual barrows, the Piskey-Led figurine, Warleggan & Rillaton, lesser-known sites, books, and news. The price is listed as £1.70.

Contents

The issue features an editorial and a variety of articles, including:

• Editorial: (p. 1)
• Cornish Earth Mysteries Group: (p. 2)
• Into Alignment: Discusses newly discovered standing stones and alignments. (p. 3)
• News: (p. 4)
• Lost and Found - God/dess figurine: Details a figurine found in Camborne Museum. (p. 5)
• Life & Death in Bronze Age Cornwall: An article by Jacky Nowakowski examining Bronze Age barrows and funerary practices. (p. 6)
• Lesser-known sites in West Penwith: Explores sites in the West Penwith area. (p. 12)
• Piskey Led - lost in the mists of time: An article by Cheryl Straffon. (p. 14)
• The secrets of Warleggan & Rillaton: An article by Robin Ellis. (p. 17)
• Book Reviews: (p. 21)
• Cerridwen's Cauldron: By Geraldine Andrew. (p. 22)
• The Pipers Tune/Fair Exchange: (p. 24)

All articles and artwork are copyrighted by Meyn Mamvro or the authors. Contributions are welcome and should be sent to Cheryl Straffon, Editor, Meyn Mamvro, 51 Carn Bosavern, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7QX. Andy Norfolk is credited for the front cover art.

The magazine is available at various outlets in Cornwall, including St Just, Penzance, St. Ives, Mousehole, Zennor, Lands End, Redruth, Truro, Boscastle, Tintagel, and Mevagissey. It is also available at Gothic Image in Glastonbury and Atlantis Bookshop in London.

Advertisements for "The Quay Bookshop" in Penzance and "Dragon Books" in Redruth are included.

News Page

The "News Page" details recent activities of the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG). The 7th Autumn/Winter season began with a talk by Andy Norfolk on "UFOs, abductions and fairies," exploring the common underlying experience, possibly electromagnetic. In October, Jane Thurnell-Read discussed "Geopathic Stress" and its effects on health and the environment. In November, Jeremy Harte presented "In the Hall of the Mountain King: Gateways to Other Worlds," focusing on the relationship between ancient barrows and legends of land spirits. The season concluded with a Midwinter Solstice Sunset alignment and Celtic Storytelling.

Peter Knight is also mentioned as hoping to start a Dorset EM Group.

Into Alignment

This section reports on newly discovered standing stones. A menhir in the Camborne area, known to children but only recently recognized as megalithic, is mentioned, with more details promised for the next issue. The article then focuses on two recent discoveries in West Penwith: the Newham Farm menhir and the Ennis Farm menhir. Alignments for the Ennis Farm stone were checked using Andy Norfolk's computer program, and specific grid references, sites, and offsets are provided for various menhirs and stones, including West Lanyon Quoit, Chyenhal menhir, Boscawen Ros menhir, Kerris menhir, Hedge stone near Merry Maidens circle, Piper NE menhir, and Drift menhir. A map illustrates the locations of these sites relative to St. Just and Newham Farm.

Witchcraft Museum & St.Nectan's Kieve Sold!

This news item reports the simultaneous sale of the Witchcraft Museum at Boscastle and St.Nectan's Kieve. The Witchcraft Museum was bought by "practising pagan" Graham King, who intends to keep it in Boscastle and open it as usual at Easter. St.Nectan's Kieve was sold to the Dandelion Trust, which aims to preserve the site and make it publicly accessible again, following previous troubles with the former owners.

Carn Brea Fortress Repels the Invaders!

Jay Foote, a reader, writes about the plans to protect Carn Brea Hillfort near Redruth, which included spraying with herbicide and fencing off areas for Exmoor ponies. Concerns were raised locally about potential charges for access and a visitor centre. These plans have been temporarily halted as the Kerrier Groundwork Trust has had its funding withdrawn by the Kerrier District Council, leading to the cessation of operations.

Bronze Age Village Rebuilt on Bodmin Moor

A project is underway at Twelve Men's Moor, near North Hill, to recreate a Bronze Age village. The project, supported by the Cornwall's Young Archaeologist Club, involves building round houses using traditional materials. The first house is expected to be finished by Easter, with the village intended to be an educational asset.

Lost and Found - The Camborne God/dess

MM editor Cheryl Straffon discovered a small, 7-inch high stone figurine in Camborne Museum. Described as having a large head, lowering brow, and prominent buttocks, it is attributed a Celtic physiognomy. Experts like Miranda Green and Martin Henig have commented on its features, suggesting it might be a crude local mother-goddess. Professor Charles Thomas notes that the stone may not be local and that it was found around 1950. The figurine also bears inscriptions that are a further mystery. The article notes that there is a tradition of nude goddesses in the south-west.

Life & Death in Bronze Age Cornwall

This article by Jacky Nowakowski of the Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) explores Bronze Age barrows and cairns in Cornwall. It highlights that while over 1700 barrow sites exist, less than 0.5% have been excavated using modern methods. The study of these sites reveals a variety of funerary traditions, including cremation and inhumation, with burials found in pits, pots, cists, and within barrows. The article questions the notion that these sites were solely for the dead, citing evidence of cremated remains found under house hearths, suggesting a more complex interplay between ritual and secular behavior. The author discusses the significance of natural tors and headlands as symbolic markers and details excavations of barrows, such as the one at Little Gaverigan Farm, which showed architectural features but no burial, suggesting ceremonial rites rather than funerary ones. The article also touches upon the Highgate Ritual Enclosure, a site with a horse-shoe arrangement of gullies and postholes containing a pit with a collared urn and cremated human bone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the rich prehistory and unique cultural landscape of Cornwall, particularly its megalithic sites, earth energies, and folklore. There is a strong emphasis on the 'alternative' and 'earth mysteries' scene, with regular reports on local groups, their activities, and talks. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and documenting these aspects of Cornish heritage, encouraging contributions from readers and experts alike. The magazine also engages with contemporary issues such as archaeological discoveries, conservation efforts, and the sale of significant local sites. The coverage of UFOs and paganism indicates a broad interest in phenomena beyond conventional historical and archaeological interpretations.

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO, volume 32, dated Winter 1997, focuses on the archaeology and folklore of Cornwall, with a particular emphasis on ancient sites and local legends. The magazine's website is listed as meynmamvro.co.uk/archive.

Archaeology of Cornwall

Trelowthas Barrow

The issue details excavations at Trelowthas Barrow, located near the Probus by-pass, conducted by CAU in the spring of 1995. The site, initially identified by geophysical survey, revealed a complex history of development. It began as a circular space defined by a deep ditch, which was later infilled. Subsequently, it was enhanced with a wooden post ring on its south-eastern side. The barrow was further remodelled with a low mound and a recut shallower ditch featuring a northern causeway. The primary formal burial consisted of a mass of cremated human bone deposited in a slate cist inserted into the mound during its final phase of use.

One of the most extraordinary discoveries at Trelowthas Barrow was the recovery of approximately 1500 sherds of Bronze Age pottery from the base of the remodelled ditch. These sherds formed an estimated 22 complete or partially complete vessels, many decorated with Middle Bronze Age Trevisker cord-impressed and incised zig-zag motifs. The pottery was found in well-sealed layers in the south-eastern sector of the ditch. The breaks on the sherds were fresh, indicating they were smashed during a single event that occurred before the slate cist was built, suggesting they were not associated with the later ceremony of cist burial. The analysis of this pottery focused on understanding the large quantity found and the reasons for their deliberate smashing. The article notes that pots can have multiple functions and 'careers,' and the variety of 'domestic' and 'non-domestic' types at Trelowthas suggests a link between ritual and daily life.

The slate cist itself was described as impressive, containing cremated adult and juvenile bone mixed with animal bone. It also held four miniature upturned urns and two tiny faience 'beads' (a quoit and a six-pointed star), possibly used as talismans. This multiple burial is interpreted not as a result of a sudden catastrophe, but as a significant role played by the dead in Bronze Age communities, contributing to a larger story about life and death.

An article by Jacky Nowakowski, based on CAU plans and photographs, is credited for this section. Jacky Nowakowski was scheduled to give a talk on this article to the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group.

The next volume of the Cornwall Archaeology Society (Cornish Archaeology 34) was announced to include a major article on Ritual and Symbolic Landscapes of Bodmin Moor.

Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith

Raymond Cox contributes a section on lesser-known sites in the West Penwith area, focusing on the region around Caer Bran and Bartinney.

• Chapel Euny Wells (SW399 288): Located near the Carn Euny Iron Age settlement, this site features two wells on an old track. The main well has seven steps leading to clear water. Nearby was the former St Uny chapel, and the place was known as the 'Giant's Well,' believed to have therapeutic properties. An 18th-century account by Dr. Borlase describes a healing ceremony with two women bathing a child, and mentions a tradition of washing on the first three Wednesdays in May.
• Caer Bran Hillfort (SW408 290): This hillfort, contemporary with Carn Euny, is described as a 430ft diameter structure with two concentric defensive lines. The inner wall's granite blocks were robbed for building. The centre contains the foundations of a hut circle. An old entrance causeway leads to the northwest, near the Penzance/Land's End road. The site, which safeguarded local tin and copper, is noted for its views and timeworn stony greyness.
• Goldherring Courtyard House Settlement (SW411 282): Dating from the 1st century BCE, this settlement in Penwith features courtyard houses, hut circles, a round room, two long rooms, and a smaller oval chamber. It is surrounded by a round wall (140ft x 120ft) and has a paved eastern entrance. A well is also present on the site. Unlike the well-maintained Chysauster, Goldherring is less known but offers a solitary experience.
• Brane Entrance Grave (SW401 281): This barrow is described as photogenic, with a cone-like structure covered in bushes and trees. It is 15ft in diameter and 7ft high, with a chamber measuring 94ft long, 4ft wide, and 2ft high. It was once used as a sheep shelter.

A map is included showing the locations of these sites relative to each other and major roads.

Folklore: Piskey-Led - Lost in the mists of time

Cheryl Straffon explores the folklore of Cornwall, specifically the phenomenon of being 'piskey-led.' This refers to legends where piskey-folk (fairies or little-folk) lead people astray by altering the terrain or the traveler's perception.

Theories and Examples

The article discusses the relevance of this folklore to Earth Mysteries studies, suggesting it might be linked to 'haunted highways' or 'paths of the dead.' Jeremy Harte's theory proposes that piskey-leading could be a development of three tale types: the mocking guide, aimless wandering, and deluded confinement. An alternative theory suggests it may be a geophysical state, where localized energies create an altered state of consciousness, similar to experiences of UFOs or ghosts, especially when belief in such phenomena is widespread.

Several specific cases are recounted:

• Uter Boscence: While returning from St. Just to Sancreed, he encountered a fog and a demonic being near the ruins of an old Celtic chapel at Bosence (Park-an-Chapel) on midsummer night. He experienced visions of 'sprights and spriggans' and was thrown about, suggesting a 'between the worlds' setting.
• Caer Bran and Bartinney: These areas were considered special places where the 'Otherworld' could be encountered. An old man who got piskey-led would often shelter at Caer Bran, as it was believed that nothing evil could harm one within the 'Rings on Brane Hill.'
• Tresidder Lane, St.Levan: A tale involves Mr. Trezillian, who, while returning from Penzance, encountered 'Small Folks' on a green space. By turning his glove inside out, he made them disappear, but was still led astray and bewildered.
• Pee Tregeer: This legend involves a woman who saw a fairy at Penzance market due to a 'greenish ointment.' Her journey back involved a specific route, altered consciousness, and encounters with various figures, suggesting a geomythic path and a link to narcotics and altered states.
• John Sturtridge: While walking home to Luxulyan, he became piskey-led at Tregarden Down. The familiar landscape became disorienting, and he was transported miles away to Par, where he was found the next morning. This tale is interpreted as a possible memory of ritual formulas used for shamanic journeys to the spirit world.

Modern Accounts

The article also includes more recent accounts:

• Katherine Briggs's account: A story from 1961 tells of a woman on a secretarial job in Cornwall who became disoriented in a thick mist and found herself guided by a farm lad who appeared when the mist cleared.
• Personal Experience: The author recounts an experience on Bartinney Hill during a festival. Her group became lost and disoriented, and by following the advice of a 'Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd' to turn change over in their pockets, they found the correct path.

The article concludes by emphasizing the enduring power of the Otherworld and the potential for such experiences to occur today.

The Secrets of Warleggan & Rillaton

Robin Ellis writes about the secrets of Warleggan and Rillaton, focusing on the Bodmin Moor landscape.

Rillaton Barrow

The Manor of Rillaton is described as a dark, wild, and haunting landscape saturated in ancient mythology, with stone circles, Celtic crosses, disused mines, and prehistoric villages. The village of Minions is noted as a human outpost surrounded by ghostly mine buildings. The Cheesewring rock formation is thought to be a source of psychic power.

The most eerie point in the landscape is Rillaton Barrow, an ancient burial chamber. Legends speak of the ghost of a Druid Priest who haunts the mound and offers passers-by a drink from a magic golden cup. In 1837, archaeologists excavated the prehistoric mound and unearthed a skeleton alongside a gold beaker, the Rillaton cup, dating from 1500 BCE.

The barrow's reputation continues with stories of a strange 'force' or 'energy' surrounding it, and accounts of visitors being rooted to the spot. Other tales describe a strange shape, neither human nor animal, seen near the mound, guarding it. The area is associated with extraordinary and frightening stories of people vanishing into 'Otherworld mist' and experiencing feelings of timeless melancholy and evil foreboding, suggesting these stories hold the key to the area's mysteries.

Advertisements and Notices

An advertisement for 'Granny's Attic' offers antiques, collectables, and New Age items, including relaxation tapes, books, stones, incense, tarot cards, and Native American artifacts, located at 18 Church St, Mevagissey, Cornwall.

An advertisement for 'Adventur-ine' lists crystals, incense, runes, essential oils, books, tapes, magazines, and dreamcatchers, available from Liz Allmark at Camelot Court, Alverton Street, Penzance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of MEYN MAMVRO consistently explores the intersection of archaeology, history, and folklore in Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on ancient sites, particularly Bronze Age barrows and enclosures, and their physical remains. Alongside the archaeological evidence, the magazine delves into local legends, myths, and supernatural experiences, such as the 'piskey-led' phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigating and presenting these phenomena, often linking them to specific landscape features and historical periods, suggesting a belief in the enduring presence of the 'Otherworld' and the significance of ancient practices.

MEYN MAMVRO | 32 | Winter 1997 is an issue of a publication focused on earth mysteries, ancient wisdom, landscapes, and sacred sites. The cover features an illustration titled 'Cerridwen's Cauldron' by Geraldine Andrew, who also contributes an article on an Imbolc ritual.

Warleggan: A Haunted Hamlet

The issue opens with an exploration of the hamlet of Warleggan on Bodmin Moor, known for its ancient church and a rectory with a 'wierd atmosphere'. The focus is on the eccentric behavior of Frederick William Densham, the last Incumbent from 1931 to 1953. Densham, rumored to have been a missionary in India, became a virtual recluse. He fitted the church with numerous locks and bolts, built a barbed-wire fence around the rectory, painted the interior rooms in glaring colors, named them with biblical names, and painted red crosses on them. He also preserved an ancient priest's hiding place in the cellars, plastering the walls with holy imagery. Despite petitions from locals, the Bishop of Truro refused to remove him, leading to the resignation of the Church Council. Densham's behavior escalated to the point of creating wooden and cardboard figures to preach to. He died alone on the stairs in 1953. The article notes that even today, there are accounts of Densham's 'sad, dark figure' walking the grounds and numerous stories of odd, paranormal happenings in Warleggan, suggesting a perceived threat, either physical or mystical, that Densham felt compelled to combat.

The Goddess Katherine and the Fiery Wheel

Another section delves into the worship of St. Catherine, identified with the Gnostic Goddess of the Assyrians in the 8th century, an aspect of Kali, the dark Goddess of love, death, and rebirth. She was known as the dancer on the fiery wheel, honored by her 'Cathari' followers. The article suggests that Catholic mythology transformed this into a tale of a saint being tortured on a wheel, which was shattered by lightning, freeing her. This lightning bolt is linked to the one that devastated the Warleggan church in 1818. The worship of Katherine spread to England, influencing sites like Winchester and Glastonbury. A legend from Rocky Valley near Bossiney speaks of a strange burning wheel emerging from a mound at midnight on Midsummer Eve. The article speculates if this is a trace of the 'Dance of the Fiery Wheel' and if the site's connection to earth forces might have caused 'holes in the fabric of Reality', potentially leading to the 'wrath of the Otherworld' at Warleggan.

Book Reviews

The 'Book News' section provides reviews of several publications:

• 'Celtic Cornwall' by Marjorie Filbee: Described as a 'strange kind of book', it is criticized for being 'overpriced and underresearched', not truly about Celtic Cornwall but a potted history from the Neolithic to the present day, written in a simplistic style possibly for children. It lacks awareness of current research in Celtic studies.
• 'Cornwall' by Philip Payton: This book is highly praised as 'absolutely superb' and offering 'many times more value for money' than Filbee's book. It is a 300-page large-format book with beautiful color photographs, interpreting megalithic monuments as 'ritual sites of ceremonial and religious significance'. Philip Payton is noted as the Director of the Institute of Cornish Studies.
• 'Cornwall's Landscape Zodiac' by Sheila Jeffries: This locally produced booklet is described as a 'good laugh'. The author believes in fairies and claims to have encountered a monk and an Arch-Druid, discovering a 'Landscape Zodiac' on The Lizard, possibly made by aliens or giants. The reviewer notes the author's unconventional beliefs.
• 'A Peep Through Misty Windows' by Malcolm J. Swingler: This booklet offers a 'postman's eyeview' of his ancient delivery route at Gwithian, focusing on local history with descriptions, maps, and photographs of prehistoric sites. It is presented as an example of local history at its best.

Cerridwen's Cauldron: An Imbolc Ritual

Geraldine Andrew contributes an article describing an Imbolc ritual performed by her women's Moon Group at the holy well of Can Brea. The ritual emphasizes the connection between the earth, moon, and sun, and the cyclical patterns of nature. The group celebrated Imbolc at the New Moon in Aquarius, aiming to clear and nurture local holy wells. The journey to Carn Brea hillfort is described, highlighting its ancient landscape. At the well, they lit candles representing poetry, creativity, healing, and smithcraft, drawing up 'earth magic' and seeking clarity and vision from Brigit, the Goddess associated with Imbolc, springs, and healing waters. They experienced the 'magical flow of vital energy' and sensed a 'doorway to the Otherworld'. The ritual involved blessing a baby named Bethan and asking for the land to be blessed, aiming to unite inner and outer worlds through communication with the Earth Goddess.

The Dragon Project and Other News

The 'Noticeboard' section includes information on the Dragon Project Dream Research Programme, which is seeking volunteers for controlled dreaming experiments at ancient sites in West Penwith, specifically Chûn Quoit and Madron Baptistry. A stone with cup marks has been discovered in St. Leven. The 'Fair Exchange' section notes changes and controversies surrounding 'The Ley Hunter' journal. The issue also lists various exchange magazines and publications related to earth mysteries, paganism, Celtic traditions, and women/goddess spirituality, along with contact details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Meyn Mamvro include the exploration of local folklore, paranormal phenomena, ancient sites, earth mysteries, and goddess worship, particularly in Cornwall. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting different perspectives and encouraging readers to engage with local history and esoteric traditions. There is a clear interest in the intersection of ancient beliefs, landscape, and personal experience, as exemplified by the Warleggan article, the Goddess Katherine section, and the Imbolc ritual description.